Ross Q4 profit jumps 23%; to stop reporting monthly sales

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores Inc. said Thursday its fourth-quarter net income rose 23%, in line with analysts’ projections. The off-price retailer also announced that beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2013 it will no longer report monthly sales. Instead, quarterly same-store store sales results will be provided with regularly scheduled earnings releases.

“Reporting sales quarterly aligns us with the majority of other retailers who have already adopted this practice, while also increasing the focus on longer-term performance,” said Michael Balmuth, vice chairman and CEO.

Ross earned $236.6 million for the quarter ended Feb. 2, up from $192 million, in the same quarter last year.

For the full year 2012, Ross earned $786.8 million, up from $657.2 million in 2011. Revenue increased to $9.72 billion from $8.61 billion.

The company also said Thursday that beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2013 it will no longer issue monthly sales reports, but instead just include them with its quarterly earnings reports.

"We are pleased with the record sales and earnings we delivered in the fourth quarter and 2012 fiscal year, especially considering they were achieved on top of strong multi-year gains” Balmuth said. “Results for both periods benefited from our ongoing ability to deliver compelling bargains on a wide assortment of exciting name brand fashions for the family and the home to today's value-focused consumers."

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